How to read construction plans

Most people find it challenging to read even a simple construction plan. This article gives an indepth explanation of what is included in the various types of plans and how to understand them. The hyperlinks show below in Plan 1 - Plan 5 each open a web page that contains a plan that is overlaid with an image map. By moving the cursor over different parts of the plan you will be shown a brief explanantion of that particular part of the plan. A more indepth explanation is given when you click on the plan.

Plan 1: Floor plan

A floor plan is an overhead view of a completed house. You'll see parallel lines that scale at whatever width the walls are required to be. Dimensions are usually drawn between the walls to specify room sizes and wall lengths.Floor plans will include notes to specify finishes, construction methods, or symbols for electrical items. They will also include details of fixtures like sinks, furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, doors and windows etc.

• Move the cursor over the floor plan to magnify it.
• Click here to see a larger version of the plan, complete with explanations.

Plan 2: Sub-floor Plan

The sub-floor plan gives details of how this area or house will be constructed and how services will be arranged.

• Move the cursor over the sub-floor plan to magnify it.
• Click here to see a larger version of the plan, complete with explanations.

Plan 3: Site plan

Site plans show the location of a home on the property in its context. It is an overhead view of the construction site and the home as it sits in reference to the boundaries of the lot. Site plans should outline location oflocation of driveways and walkways, utility services, setback requirements, easements and sometimes even topographical data that specifies the slope of the terrain.

• Move the cursor over the site plan to magnify it.
• Click here to see a larger version of the plan, complete with explanations.

Plan 4: Elevations

Elevations are a non-perspective view of the home. Elevations are drawn to scale so that measurements can be taken for any aspect necessary. The Elevation Plan can include front, rear and both side elevations. The elevations specify ridge heights, the positioning of the final fall of the land, exterior finishes, roof pitches and other details that are necessary to give the home its exterior architectural styling.

• Move the cursor over the elevations drawing to magnify it.
• Click here to see a larger version of the plan, complete with explanations.

Plan 5: Section

The Section plan shows a section cut through the dwelling and the location of this 'cut through' is noted on the floor plan. It describes how the building will be constructed and discusses how the internal finishes are to look. Sections are often used as they can explain certain conditions in more detail.

• Move the cursor over the section drawing to magnify it.
• Click here to see a larger version of the plan, complete with explanations.